ILOILO CITY — Single or solo parents residing in this city will enjoy additional privilege once the proposed “Single Parent Ordinance” is approved.
On Monday, Councilor Lyndon Acap was able to generate the support of his colleagues at the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) for his proposed legislation to get passed on first reading.
In an interview, he cited that “privileges must be considered for single parents to have more time to do and finish their responsibilities.”
“In a fast-paced society, time is an important commodity that a single or solo parent cannot afford,” he said.
He cited that Republic Act 8972 or the Solo Parents’ Welfare Act already defines some of the benefits and privileges that can be availed by single parents.
However, at the local level, the proposed ordinance seeks to extend privileges such as use of express/priority or special lane; use of priority parking space; and use of public seats in all kinds of public convenience.
He will also be meeting with resource persons from the Department of Health (DOH), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and other concerned government agencies to discuss other privileges that can be provided to solo parents.
The proposed ordinance carries a penalty of PHP3,000 or imprisonment or both at the discretion of the court and cancellation of permits for establishments or public convenience found violating the local measure once passed.
The proposal was referred to the SP Committee on Women for appropriate action.
Meanwhile, Republic Act 8972 mandates the provision of assistance to a solo parent, whose income is below the poverty threshold set by the National Economic and Development Authority.
Those whose income is above the poverty threshold is eligible to avail of flexible work schedule, non-discrimination at work, and parental leave of not more than seven days annually.
As of 2007, there were 14 million single parents out of 94 million Filipinos and the number grows at the rate of 30.5 percent annually. (Perla Lena with Caihra Santillan and Rosilfa Andrea Mallada, OJT/PNA)
